Artists unknown, Bamana, Male and Female Tyi Wara, wood, metal, patina. Gift of Justin and Elisabeth Lang, 1984 (M84-071, M84-072)
Exhibitions
The Art of Mali
African Gallery
13 August 2006 - 8 August 2007
The largest country in West Africa, Mali is one of the world's poorest nations. Yet from 700 to 1600 C.E., the geographic location of present day Mali saw the flowering of the great empires of Ghana, Mali and Songhay - empires based upon gold and trade with Islamic North Africa. Mali is the site of the fabled Timbuktu.
Today, burdened by drought, deforestation, soil erosion and desertification, Mali's peoples, nonetheless, are illustrious for their artistic production associated with traditional ceremonies and beliefs. Approximately 9% of the population maintains such indigenous beliefs within a predominantly Muslim society. It is a country of many peoples, Bamana (Bambara), Bozo, Marka, Dogon and Tuareg among others, all with proud histories.
The sculptures, masks, spectacular ceremonies and architecture of the cliff-side dwelling Dogon have gained world renown. The monumental sculptures of the Bamana peoples are likewise admired for their dignified beauty.
This exhibition includes a variety of sculptural works by several peoples of Mali. All works have been selected from the Justin and Elisabeth Lang Collection of African Art that was donated to the Agnes Etherington Art Centre in 1984; the exhibition is presented with the support of the Ontario Arts Council and the Justin and Elisabeth Lang Foundation.
Dorothy Farr